Blessed by the Valar v2

Disclaimer/Author's Notes: I own nothing but the Original Characters and their adventures. Everything else belongs to JRR Tolkien, the Tolkien Estate, New Line Cinema/Peter Jackson, et. al. This was done purely for entertainment and as an exercise in creativity.
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The night passed and Legolas was surprised to find he had slept for more than just a few moments. He felt fully rested and refreshed when he arose. Alex was walking back from the forest with a couple of apples and some nuts.

“Good morning,” she greeted him as he came forward to take some of her burden. “Did you sleep well?”

“Quite well, thank you. I trust the night was uneventful.”

“Yes, it was nice and calm. I figured we could have these for breakfast.”

“Thank you.” They sat down and ate their morning repast in companionable silence. Immediately afterward, they broke camp and resumed their journey.

They crossed the forest boundary and Alex stopped short.

“Oh, my God!” The vista before her rivaled any she’d seen. Mountains in the distance were snow kissed and the sun turned the peaks various shades of pink, gold and purple. Below them stretched another forest, deep green, fading to a lighter, brighter green as the woods gave way to a meadow.

Legolas smiled at her obvious joy. She turned to him and he saw her smile with true happiness for the first time since their meeting.

“This is beautiful, Legolas. It’s so . . . I can’t express it in words right now.” She turned back to the view.

“I am glad you find it so.” He did not speak further, but began walking along the ridge, leading Arod. Alex came slowly behind them.

They camped that night beside another small brook. This time, Legolas took the watch and over the next few days, a routine developed. They took turns keeping watch each night, and eating as they traveled. They had become more comfortable with each other’s company as they progressed on their journey. One day, Alex surprised the Elf by asking him to teach her to ride a horse and use a sword and bow.

“I admit, I’m not very good at any of it. If I’m going to get along here, I should probably have some sort of way to defend myself and get around.”

He could not argue with her logic and so they began to take an hour or so a day to practice. She picked up the sword rather quickly. At least, she learned the moves. They would need another blade in order to practice together, but she had the basics.

The bow, however was another story. She understood the theory, but her execution left much to be desired. At first, Legolas thought the bow may be too large for her, but she could string it, much to his surprise, with no difficulty. Her grip was steady and he could find no serious flaws in her stance. But somewhere between drawing back the string and letting go, something was awry.

After retrieving her arrows that had missed the target entirely, she approached her teacher with a glum expression and handed them to him without a word.

“Do not be discouraged, Alex. Not everyone is suited for the bow. Although,” he hated to discourage her further, but he felt he should be honest with his friend, “the bow is the weapon of choice for most mortal females as it is a weapon of distance and effective bows can be fashioned for them which do not necessitate the strength required for close combat as with a sword.”

Alex sighed heavily. “Let’s face it, Legolas. I have absolutely no talent when it comes to archery. It’s a gift I just don’t possess.”

“You are probably correct.” At least she didn’t look too hurt at his words. “It takes wisdom to know one’s strengths and weaknesses. But, continue to practice. You have hit the target more today than yesterday, so there is some improvement.”

She gave a sour smile. “I suppose I can take some comfort in that fact.”

Riding Arod was not as traumatic as she expected. Once she became accustomed to the horse’s movement, she discovered she was a natural in the saddle. Although Legolas did not usually use a saddle or even bridle, when traveling with supplies and weapons for such a long journey, he found it more convenient to have them both. In this case, they came in handy in Alex’s instruction.

For his part, Arod became accustomed to the woman’s touch and while he still was not fond of her, he at least allowed her to ride him.

The travelers soon approached the first town on their journey. They decided, before they entered the limits of what was actually just a large village, Alex would wear his spare cloak to help cover her strange clothing as well as hide the fact she was a woman. Until they could find her suitable clothing, both felt it wise to be discreet.

They walked into town, Arod following. The townspeople, while not exactly hostile, were not welcoming either.

“They have suffered under the Dark Lord’s ways for a long time,” Legolas said to her in a low voice. “I doubt not that they are still wary of strangers.” Alex agreed with his statement, but still felt uncomfortable under their scrutiny.

“We shall need to acquire a horse for you. That way, we can move faster.”

His words surprised her. “I thought we were going to find a place for me to stay here.”

He shook his head. “No, this is not the place for you. I feel it.” Turning his calm, blue eyes to her, he continued, “You are not meant to stay in this place. In fact, I do not believe we should linger here. We shall visit the smith and see if any horses are available.” Besides what he had told her, in truth, Legolas had begun to enjoy her companionship. He was reluctant to see it end just yet.

They found the smith without difficulty. Legolas, spoke with the man and was shown 6 horses that were available for purchase. Alex remained silent and kept the hood of her cloak up. When Legolas called her to choose a horse, he asked the man to give them some privacy as they made their decision. Once they were alone, she turned to the Elf.

“I don’t know anything about horses. I wouldn’t know a good one if I saw it.”

“That may be, Alex. But you will be riding him and you should be suited to each other. I have examined all 6 and there are 3 that I believe are the best choices. Let us see if any of those 3 are meant for you.” With that he guided her to the first horse in the stable.

It was a large chestnut stallion. He was obviously a warhorse, with strong flanks and a haughty manner. He allowed Alex to stroke his flanks. Then they moved on to the next horse Legolas had selected. This one was a dappled gray with a somewhat calmer demeanor than his predecessor. The third horse was another warhorse, this one solid black except for a streak of white on his forehead.

“I don’t know,” she turned around, looking at her choices. “They’re all beautiful. I think the gray one. He seems to like me best.”

Legolas nodded. “A good choice. He is also not so headstrong as the other two. While not as large as the black and the chestnut, he is probably much quicker. I will conclude the transaction and we will take our new friend.”

Once again, she was left alone while he closed the deal. Alex felt bad that he had to spend money on her. She would have to find some way to repay him. Perhaps, once she found work, she would be able to reimburse him for the price of her horse.

Legolas and the horse trader came in to the barn with a saddle and bridle for Alex’s new horse. As they led him out of town, Legolas asked her what she was going to name the horse.

“I have no idea. I’ve never had a horse before, so I’m not sure what a good name would be.” Once they had cleared the small town, she mounted her trusty steed. She would never have Legolas’ ability to move so smoothly into the saddle, she thought, but at least she managed to get on without help. They began slowly, picking up speed as Alex and the horse became more comfortable with each other. Soon they were moving at a brisk pace.

Alex pondered names for the better part of two days before she finally settled on Hector.

“He was a hero from an ancient war in my people’s history. He was noble and did his duty.”

Legolas pondered her words. “A good name,” he concluded.

They continued on their rather circuitous journey. They would stop in some villages and towns, avoid others altogether. Alex did not know what Legolas was looking for, but decided it was probably none of her business.

Instead, she spent her time honing her fighting skills. Her archery did not improve much until she happened to acquire a crossbow. Her theory was, the crossbow took different skills, almost like aiming a plasma rifle, something she was quite good at. Legolas had been surprised when she had been able to hit her targets with only a rare miss. She had also picked up a set of throwing daggers that she was very comfortable using.

Although their days were usually fairly uneventful, there was an occasional skirmish with bandits and such. The first time, Legolas had spotted them and taken out two of them with his bow before the others could even react. Alex had managed to bring down two others with her sword, one of whom forfeited his crossbow to the woman.

On another occasion, though, they were targeted by a group of Haradrim who seemed intent, not on robbing them, but killing Legolas. The Elf had coolly dispatched most of the men before using his long knives to finish off the others. Alex had been impressed by his precision and the ease with which he defeated what would have been an overwhelming number of enemies for most men. She had fought two of them on her own, not having drawn her sword or bow in time to eliminate them at a distance. Instead, she had simply fought with her dagger and her extremely sharp and unnaturally strong nails.

After deciding she wanted the throwing daggers one of the men had carried, she knelt over his body to retrieve them. She called over her shoulder to the Elf as he cleaned his blades.

“So why are these people trying to kill you? Does it have something to do with why you’re going around, asking questions and looking for something?”

“I believe you are correct,” he replied, not even breathing heavily despite the skirmish of only moments before. “It seems they know I am tracking them.”

Standing and securing her new toys to her back so she could reach them quickly, she eyed her friend. “Do you want to tell me who we’re looking for? Or what?”

“I am looking for a man of Harad who once served under Sauron. He is believed to have taken something extremely dangerous to Middle Earth, and I need to find it and return with it to Gondor.” Seeing her skeptical expression, he smiled and continued. He had noticed her use of the word “we”. “It is not that I do not trust you, Alexandra. It is just … I would not wish for you to have knowledge that could bring you to harm.”

Alex nodded. She was well acquainted with the concepts of plausible deniability and need-to-know. What her companion was saying was, he didn’t want to tell her too much because she couldn’t reveal what she didn’t know, should matters deteriorate. So, she was happy to support him in whatever decisions he made. It was his mission, after all.

Legolas was relieved that she seemed to understand his position. He had been pleasantly surprised by her ability to fight, and it supported her tale of having been a warrior in her own land. She had even commanded troops and it showed in subtle ways that she was comfortable being in control, something most of the women of Middle Earth never got to experience. Except for women like Eowyn. But even she was constrained by the traditions of men. She had commanded and ruled under extraordinary circumstances, but in Alexandra’s world, women apparently did it all the time.

They wound their way further and further toward the east, their friendship strengthening daily. Finally, they reached a town on the frontier at what seemed to be a crossroads for Middle Earth. Elves, Men, Dwarves---all passed through the town on a regular basis, so an Elf traveling with a Woman did not raise any brows.

*
Stabling their mounts, they entered a large inn. Legolas procured a room for the night so Alexandra would get the chance to sleep in a real bed for a change. He planned to spend the night looking for someone who may have seen the Lieutenant or his followers after the War and, at the same time, take care of some very personal business.

It had been quite a while since Legolas had been with a female and he was becoming aware of a growing desire for a few hours of sport. Although Elves did not suffer the same uncontrolled drives to mate as did mortals---after all, they had a considerably longer time in which to indulge themselves, so there was no real imperative to rut as much as possible---they did enjoy pleasures of the flesh and were no strangers to desire. They simply had more control over those desires, a result of centuries of practice.

Nonetheless, Legolas had begun to feel the urge to give in to his growing need. He knew there were women to be had in this town, and although some came at a price, he could easily afford it. He also knew there was no shortage of willing maidens who would happily bed with him. However, he wished to use the services of a professional. It was well known that the ladies of the local brothels were often privy to some of the most useful information. Besides, he could enjoy his sport without having to worry about his partner developing emotional attachments.

He and Alexandra settled down in the large common room of the inn with a bottle of wine and some bread and cheese. She did not drink much, saying it only served to increase her thirst. She politely requested water or fruit juice and was served by a confused barkeep. It was not that she could not abide alcohol. She simply found the wines of Middle Earth far too sweet for her taste.

Alex noticed a group of well-dressed men in a crowd of some distinctly thuggish individuals who were taking advantage of the dandies’ inebriated state. An idea began to form as she watched the ruffians steal as well as win, albeit crookedly, a small fortune from the men in a game similar to darts, but with small daggers. Keeping her jacket on over her own throwing daggers, she managed to work her way into the group.

Sensing new meat, the roughnecks leered at her and made crude suggestions. She gave them a charming smile as she dodged their grasping hands. She took a small bag and dangled it in front of them enticingly.

Pretending to be more than slightly tipsy, she let them think they had lured her into the game. One of the men who had seen her with Legolas demanded she show them her ears, since Elven skill would make the contest unfair.

“Are you sure you don’t have a little Elf in you?” one of the men asked with a knowing grin, his companions snickering at his apparent wit.

Alex smiled suggestively as she glanced over to where Legolas seemed to be watching with some amusement.

“Oh, I can assure you, I’ve never had a little Elf … in me.” The group dissolved into crude laughter and she was surprised to see Legolas salute her with his goblet. She obligingly showed them her ears, and suffered some quite unsubtle comments about her companion, before getting down to business.

For his part, Legolas had heard every word and tried not to laugh as Alex gave as good as she got. It occurred to him she had been traveling with him all this time, yet he had never seen her as a sexual being. She was comely, as far as women went, but her attitude was such that he felt her more of a fellow warrior than a potential bed partner. Besides, even though she was proving to be a fairly decent fighter, she was still under his protection and he could not bring himself to take advantage of such a trust.

She watched the Elf out of the corner of her eye. He had drunk a considerable amount of wine. Of course, since Elves had superior metabolisms, she supposed, he could likely drink far more than a human and not suffer any ill effects. She wondered if he were steeling himself for an unpleasant task. He’d told her he was going to try to gather some information. Since she was unsure of what his mission was, exactly, she knew she would probably be more of a hindrance than help. Therefore, she concentrated on the task at hand: winning some money so she could pay her own way.

She smiled sweetly at the rather disgusting and quite odiferous group she’d found herself in.

“Now how do we do this?”

Legolas had been watching Alex as she gave her companions an innocent look, and allowed them to believe she knew nothing about throwing daggers. He’d have believed her himself had he not been watching her practice with her newly acquired weapons during their journey. He smiled to himself as he thought on what a surprise the unsuspecting group had in store.

“Is that a smile of invitation?” A soft voice came over his shoulder.

“Possibly,” he replied, not looking at the speaker. She moved around to face him.

“I have time to spend, milord,” she said boldly. She was not unattractive for a human female. Very young, to an elf, but an adult by the standards of Men. He knew her business.

“And I have gold to spend.” He rose and followed her through a side door and crossed the alley to the brothel. It was one of the better buildings in town, and appeared to cater to the upscale travelers. It was obviously not meant for local business.

As they went inside, the proprietress came forward with a smile. “Welcome, Master Elf. I see you have met Metia. “

“Indeed I have, madam. And while she is quite lovely…” The other ladies of the house who were lounging in the salon tensed with anticipation. “ … I find I would like to have additional company.” The women sighed softly. Each was hoping to be chosen. He was very handsome, as was characteristic of his kind, and none of them had yet had the experience of bedding an Elf. It was a symbol of achievement in their profession.

Motioning to another girl, this one as blonde as Metia was dark, the proprietress said, “This is Crysala. I trust you will find your visit pleasant.”

He smiled and gave her a gold piece. The rest, she knew, would come afterward. Every madam worth her title knew it usually took more than one human female to satisfy an aroused elf. If this one required more, she had many willing ladies in her house that would be delighted to provide their services to the attractive elf. It wasn’t often one of the Firstborn sought them out, as Elves were notoriously tight-reigned when it came to carnal pleasures. However, travelers often found themselves seeking diversion on the road.

Legolas followed the two “ladies” up the stairs. Even though he had drunk a substantial amount of wine, he was clear-headed, and his Elven senses were alert for the least sign of danger. He felt confident, however, he faced no danger in this place. And his need was insistent.

Metia opened a door and stepped inside. Legolas and Crysala followed. Closing the door, the dark haired girl smiled at their guest.

“What is your pleasure, Master Elf?” Crysala came to stand beside her, putting her arm around Metia’s waist. They made a charming picture. Neither had the stunning beauty of the Eldar, but were reasonably attractive.

Removing his cape, he sat on the edge of the bed. It was firm, the mattress newly stuffed, another sign of the establishment’s quality. He gave the pair a dazzling smile. “I would see you both.”

Although professionals, they giggled like young elleth not yet introduced to the pleasures of the flesh. Metia, since she had initially approached him, was the bolder of the two. She began to unlace her bodice. As it dropped, Crysala, following the lead of her coworker, reached out and untied the sash at Metia’s waist, allowing her skirt to drop as well. The dark-haired girl stood there in naught but her chemise and stockings. Crysala pulled the neckline of Metia’s chemise and dragged it down over her shoulders, leaving her naked but for her stockings and shoes.

Metia laughed softly and tossed her hair back, reaching out to undo the laces of Crysala’s bodice, pulling her chemise down with the same motion. Crysala untied her skirt and her entire ensemble fell to the floor as Metia ran her hands over the blonde’s newly freed breasts. Crysala stepped out of her clothes and began to caress her friend’s smooth body.

Legolas leaned back to watch, a bemused smile touching his lips. Normally, he would not be affected by such a display, but a combination of the wine and his pent-up need fed his arousal.

The girls began to kiss as they caressed each other. Neither was overly large in the bosom, a sign neither had likely borne children yet. Their hips were still smooth and tight as well and they knew how to show off their curves to best advantage, a testament to the practice they’d had working together.

Both girls had become aroused by their play, their nipples hard and rubbing together as they kissed each other more passionately. Pulling apart, they looked at their client. He gave them an encouraging smile and they came over to kneel on either side of him on the bed. Crysala leaned down to kiss him but he deflected her lips to the nipple of Metia’s breast he had in his hand. Crysala began licking and sucking the rosy nub as the elf began to caress the blonde’s ivory breasts.

Metia sighed with pleasure at the sensation of her friend’s tongue teasing her nipple. She spread her knees and sat further down so as to have ease of access to the elf’s clothing. With expert fingers she unfastened his tunic and belt, pulling away clothing until his smooth chest was exposed. Wetting a finger in her mouth she used it to tease his nipple, then ran it down to his leggings where she traced around his navel then began unlacing them.

Legolas, meanwhile, had shifted his other companion so he could suckle at her breast. Her skin tasted slightly salty as he lightly bit the nipple in his mouth. He could feel Metia tugging open his breeches and lifted his hips to help her in her task. With one arm he held Crysala in position while his other hand began rubbing over the smooth buttocks of Metia before dipping into her warmth. She moaned slightly and spread her legs a little more as he found her pleasure nub and began to play with it using such a gentle touch as only an Elf could manage.

Metia drew a shuddering breath at the sensations between her legs and paused in her efforts to free the elf’s cock. Crysala, her eyes closed as she savored the attention the expert elven tongue was giving her breasts, began rubbing herself as she became more and more aroused.

Once Legolas was free of his breeches, both women were momentarily surprised. Neither had been with an Elf before and while they had heard that Elves were exquisite, neither had actually seen a naked male elf in reality. If it were possible for the male member to be beautiful, then their client was a shining example. Both women gazed at it for a moment, then, simultaneously, began to lick and suck along its length.

Legolas sighed at the sensation of two mouths, two tongues, two sets of lips caressing his member. As one took his head into her mouth, the other licked down the shaft to his sac, sucking gently on first one, then the other testicle, her tongue moving in counterpoint to the one circling the head of his shaft. He did not know which girl was doing what and did not care. He simply lay back and enjoyed the feelings.

The mouths moved over him, licking and nipping, between his thighs, over his belly, his nipples, and, most importantly, his cock. They took turns sucking him in earnest, taking him deep, although neither could quite accommodate him entirely. He felt his first climax beginning and it shook his body as he released himself. While he achieved orgasm, he did not release his seed. He had no desire to bond with either of the women and so refrained from spilling into the mouth covering him.

Crysala, who had been the one to bring him to climax, raised her head and gave him a questioning look.

“You did well. Male elves do not always ejaculate when pleasured.” His reply seemed to satisfy her and she sat back on her heels.

Metia, noting he had not lost his erection, straddled him and sank onto his hardness. She had become quite well-lubricated from Legolas’ stimulation of her, and, as the more experienced of the two, was better able to accommodate him. She took him as deep as she could, slowly testing her limits as he watched. She gave a small laugh and began to move in an ever-increasing rhythm. He stroked her thighs, feeling the muscles tighten as she rode him.

Reaching up he grasped her breasts and began teasing the nipples. She leaned over so he could hold them comfortably, continuing her ride. Crysala moved between his thighs and began licking his root and thighs. The feeling of being tightly sheathed in the one woman while the rest of his shaft and balls were tongued pushed him to another climax. His partner also gave a cry of joy as she too reached her peak. She sank onto his chest in exhaustion as he rolled over, ending up on top of her. He pulled out and Crysala immediately took his member into her mouth.

She moved to straddle Metia, who began licking her friend between her thighs, causing Crysala to cry out around Legolas’ shaft when her pleasure center was located.

Legolas pulled out of her mouth and pushed her back onto the bed. Spreading Crysala’s legs wide and pushing them up, he plunged into her. Thanks to Metia’s attentions, she was wet enough to ease his passage. He started slowly, letting the girl become accustomed to him. Metia knelt over Crysala’s face and felt the other girl’s tongue working inside of her. She leaned forward and began licking and sucking Legolas’ nipples as he moved faster and faster inside of his partner.

Their activities went on for hours and, when his desires had been calmed somewhat, he gave each girl a gold piece, then settled with the proprietress. He also had a quiet word with her about some of the customers she’d seen since the end of the war. Learning what he wanted to know, he thanked her and left a little something extra for her assistance.

When he left, the girls who had spent the evening having every part of their body pleasured by him were amazed that he looked as neat, calm and dignified as he had prior to the start of their adventure. Both had earned valuable experience and were the envy of every other female in the establishment. They could now speak with authority: Yes, Elves are superhuman. No, one does not kiss an Elf---it’s business. Yes, Elven males can come without making a mess.

Entering the inn, he found it much quieter than when he had left. The maid behind the desk called to him softly.

“Your companion, sir. She said to give you this key. Top of the stairs, last door on the third floor. It’s very quiet, our best room sir.” She smiled sweetly and he thanked her, wondering just what Alex had gotten into while he was gone.

He passed three strong young men coming down the stairs with two huge empty buckets each. They gave respectful nods as they paused to let him go up the stairs. Once he reached the designated door, he slipped in the key and opened it.

The room was quite nice and was lit by firelight. A few candles stood around the room and an enormous tub stood in the middle of the space. Alex was reclining in the tub, up to her neck in steaming water, her eyes closed and an expression of quiet bliss on her face.

Opening one eye she studied her friend. “Have a successful trip?”

“Quite.” He was unsure, but sensed she was teasing him.

“Come in; the water is fresh and hot. It feels so good, Legolas! A warm bath! It’s been ages since I’ve had one.” She smiled unaffectedly as she waited for his answer.

He considered her invitation. Ai, Elbereth! He thanked the Valar he had spent the evening at the brothel. Now he could respond to what he knew was not such an innocent request, with equanimity. He was almost sure she did not think he would agree to her suggestion and was teasing him. He surprised her, however.

“I believe I will join you. I too have longed for a hot bath.” He began undressing as she gathered her composure. He had to admit, she hid her surprise well and anyone but an elf would have missed it.

He noted she turned her glance away when he stripped down and climbed into the other end of the large tub. Settling into the warm water he leaned back and allowed himself a sigh of contentment.

“You are correct, Alex. The water does feel good.”

“Told you so.” She hadn’t thought he’d really get in. She just kind of wanted to embarrass him, just a little. She had seen him leave with the hooker and wanted to tease him a bit. However, she thought his calm and Elven pride would make him reticent. He had certainly shown her.

“I take it you had a successful evening as well,” he said, his eyes still closed as he relished the feel of the warmth all over his body.

“Very. I won a good bit of money, and so I decided to upgrade, as we say in my land.” She stretched her arms out and then brought them back to her sides, liking the way it felt as the water moved over her skin. “I didn’t think you’d mind.”

“Not at all. I appreciate the gesture.”

They sat in silence for a while, enjoying the warm tub, but each careful not to make any sudden movements under the water. Both of them were quite conscious of the proximity of each other’s bodies. Legolas again thanked the Valar he had eased his need earlier while Alex was very aware she was sitting within a few feet of a naked Elf and, if they moved but just a few inches apiece their bodies would be in a most compromising position.

She thought back to the last true lover she’d had. In fact, the only true love she’d ever known. He was not that different from Legolas. Except he wasn’t an elf. And his hair had been black. And he’d been a little taller, and a little broader through the shoulders. And he’d been insufferable, while Legolas had treated her with nothing but chivalry (aside from stripping naked and getting into the tub with her---and he’d even been polite about that). Come to think of it, he was really nothing like Legolas. On the surface. However, when you looked deeper, both were strong, proud, competent and deadly. She’d watched Legolas enough to know his beauty and grace hid just how dangerous he was. She’d seen him take down multiple enemies without so much as batting an eye. Yes, they were very much alike. And then, there was the matter of those ears….

“You should smile more often.” His voice broke her concentration. “What is it that brings that look to your face?”

“Oh, just thinking about someone I used to know. You remind me of him, in a way.”

“Indeed?” That raised eyebrow almost did her in.

“Yes. You’re both very competent with your weapons and have such self-confident attitudes.”

“There is fondness in your voice. Was this man your suitor or betrothed?”

Her smile was no longer happy, but indescribably sad. “No. It would have been… inappropriate.” His heart ached for the grief in that single word.

“Forgive me, Alex. I did not wish to cause you distress.”

“Oh, no. It’s all right. We both knew it was doomed from the start. We were from completely different worlds.” ‘Literally,’ she thought.

“Your father did not approve?” He could relate to such a concept, having seen friends in terror of parental disapproval of their choices for mates.

Alex gave a short, bitter laugh. “My father would have been the least of our worries.” Seeing his questioning look, she explained, “It’s rather complicated. A lot of other considerations just made it impossible. Maybe, in a different time or place, it would’ve been fine. But with me being who and what I was and he being who and what he was, well, it just couldn’t happen. I’ll tell you about it some day if you’re really interested, but believe me, it’s just a sad story. Besides, “ she smiled brightly, “We’ve both done our duty and moved on and now I’m here and have entirely new friends.” ‘Well, one anyway.’

As if reading her thoughts, Legolas smiled and replied, “Yes, you certainly have me for a friend.”

“Thank you, Legolas. I don’t know what I’d have done if you hadn’t taken me under your wing. I really appreciate it.” With her last words she reached out and touched his hand resting on the side of the tub. He turned it so his fingers moved along her palm. The moment seemed to freeze and she was conscious again of his nearness, his strength, his…. Catching herself, she smiled and slowly pulled her hand back, crossing her arms over her breasts. Although still under the water, she was once again reminded of her nakedness.

“Avert your eyes, Master Elf,” she said in a teasing tone. “I must get out of the water before I completely shrivel.”

He smiled and closed his eyes, turning his head away. Alex stood and quickly grabbed a drying cloth, wrapping it around her as she stepped out of the tub. She pulled on a clean under-tunic and dropped the cloth.

“You may open your eyes.” She headed over to the large bed asking, “Which side do you prefer?”

Momentarily taken aback, Legolas automatically replied, “By the door.”

“Fine with me.” She climbed in on the opposite side and settled down. Legolas took this opportunity to get out of the tub and dry off, as she was facing away from the center of the room. Once he had put on his own under-tunic and leggings he paused.

“Oh, for pity’s sake. We’ve virtually been sleeping together since we met. We just happen to have a nice, soft bed tonight.” Alex sat up and gave him an exasperated look. “If you’re worried about propriety, just think of it as a more pleasant campsite. Anyway, we’ve just been in a tub---naked---together. Besides, it’s a big bed and I’m so tired I probably won’t move again once I fall asleep.”

Her words were true. They had shared campsites, even a stable stall or two. And most recently, a tub. The only difference was this was a clean bed. Admitting he would like to rest in the inviting softness, he sighed and climbed into bed on his side.

“Goodnight Alexandra.”

“Goodnight, Legolas.”

Soon there was silence except for the deep, even breathing of two very tired, and very relaxed, people.